2

A Succession of Blows.

The nation holds its breath just now. Great conflicts are preparing. Our vast armies, distributed at different points, are gathering themselves for a final spring. Halleck is organizing for a dash upon Corinth. Pope is cautiously posting himself to strike simultaneously with Halleck — and thus seize the Mississippi Valley. McClellan is investing Yorktown. The work is great, but, notwithstanding the recent undue interference with his plans by ambitious officials, he will be found fully equal to his undertaking. Reducing Yorktown he will soon have Norfolk and Richmond. The enemy may "flee to the mountains" but even there he will find no resting place if McClellan's counsels may be restored there. Every true loyal heart yearns for peace and beats with joy in anticipation of the speedy triumph of our arms. Every true American desires peace — not a peace to be maintained only by a vast standing army; not a peace hampering our commerce, precluding trade, forbidding social intercourse, and friendly offices, and engendering a bitter hate to go as a heritage from generation to generation to the latest posterity. Than such a peace any event would be preferable. Let us have a peace based upon the principles set forth in a resolution adopted unanimously by congress at its first session after the inauguration of Mr. Lincoln. Let it be based on Mr. Lincoln's Sumter proclamation and his earlier executive addresses. Let us have unity with the Union. No peace founded otherwise than upon the provisions of the constitution will satisfy the loyalty of our people.